If you own a Harley Davidson, anytime you may face trouble with your Harley and get trouble code on dash board. When self diagnostic system of your Harley-Davidson has detected a malfunction it gives a a solid security light (red light) that stays on after the bike has been started. It is very important to know the trouble code indicates on the dashboard and its relevant solution.
Disclaimer: This information is only for reference. Unless you are a certified mechanic don’t go for any further procedure. Harley-Davidson dealers and certified mechanics are trained to interpret the DTC codes and use them to diagnose and fix issues with the motorcycle.
Below is a list of brief list of diagnostic codes that you may come across on your Harley-Davidson.
What Does a Check Engine Light Mean?
The Check Engine Light (CEL) on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle indicates that the motorcycle’s onboard diagnostic system detects a current or historic trouble code in one or more of its sensors, circuits, or components., known as diagnostic trouble codes (DTC).
The specific meaning of the CEL can vary depending on the year, make, and model of the Harley-Davidson, as well as the type of detected fault code. Some common causes of the CEL include issues with the fuel injection system, ignition system, emissions control system, or other critical components.
What Does DTC Mean on a Harley?
DTC stands for Diagnostic Trouble Code on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. DTC is a set of alphanumeric codes that are generated by the motorcycle’s onboard diagnostic system (OBD) when it detects one or more malfunction sensors, circuits, or components.
Harley OBD system continuously keep checking the systems to detect any malfunction and keeps log on the memory. Each code refers a specific fault on motorcycle system that lead us to appropriate repair or replacement procedures. DTC codes are often referred to as error codes, flashing codes, or just diagnostic codes.
DTC codes are often referred to as error codes, flashing codes, or just diagnostic codes. They can be classed into three different categories:
- Current
- Historic
- Pending
Current:
Current (or active) DTC codes indicate that the motorcycle system has a active fault and the bike should be checked immediately. Simply clearing the code won’t resolve the issue, code return unless the malfunction has been eliminated.
Historic:
Historic codes remain saved roughly 40 ignition cycles (on/off) or or until they are cleared manually. On the 40th error free cycle, the DTC will clear itself. Historic codes assist with intermittent issues or faults.
Pending:
Pending DTC codes indicate malfunctions that haven’t been a problem long enough to become a current code. . If the fault resolves itself, the code will become a historic code, skipping current status.
How do You Check the DTC Codes on a Harley-Davidson?
Using the trip reset button Harley owner can read the DTC codes without using a diagnostic tool. The main steps in this process are as follows:
- Make sure that your battery is charged and its terminals are secured.
- Turn Ignition switch to OFF & Run/Stop switch is to Run position.
- Push and hold down the trip reset button (a.k.a. odometer reset button). For 2014 & newer touring models this will be the toggle switch on the left control mount.
- Turn ignition switch to Ignition and release the odometer reset button. At this point, background and indicator lights should illuminate and the needles should sweep across the speedo and tachometers. The word “diag” should then appear which indicates that you are in diagnostic mode.
- Push the odometer reset button once and you will see the selection menu “PSSPt” with the first P flashing.
- Each letter represents an area of the diagnostics module. The module that is flashing is the one you are going to check. To move from one letter (module) to the next, you push the odometer reset button one time. (from P to S to SP to t and back to P, etc.)
Newer bikes display abbreviations to represent each module:
ECM: Electronic Control Module
BCM: Body Control Module
SPDO: Speedometer
RAD: Radio
Older bikes display letters to represent each module:
P: ECM
S: TSM/TSSM
SP: Speedometer
T: Tachometer
B: ABS module
U Codes: Module communication - You can display the DTC code by holding down the trip reset button for five seconds. Push the odometer reset button again to view additional codes if they exist.
- If DTC codes are displayed, record them for future use. If there aren’t any codes on that module, you will read a “none” message on the dash.
- Turn Ignition switch to OFF.
Harley-Davidson uses abbreviations in their service manual, owner’s manual and for diagnostic work with trouble codes. For a better understanding, we’ve listed the meanings of these abbreviations below:
- ABS: Anti-Lock Braking System
- ACR: Automatic Compression Release
- AFR: Air Fuel Ratio
- AIS: Active Intake Solenoid
- ATS: Air Temperature Sensor
- BAS: Bank Angle Sensor
- BCM: Body Control Module
- CAN: Controller Area Network
- CCM: Cruise Control Module
- CKP: Crank Position Sensor
- DLC: Datalink Connector
- DTC: Diagnostic Trouble Codes
- ECM: Electronic Control Module
- ECT: Engine Coolant Temperature
- ECU: Electronic Control Unit
- EFI: Electronic Fuel Injection
- EFP: Electronic Fuel Pump
- ET: Engine Temperature sensor
- FI: Fuel Injectors
- FPR: Fuel Pressure Regulator
- H-DSSS: Harley-Davidson® Smart Security System
- HCU: Hydraulic Control Unit, ABS
- HFSM: Hands Free Security Module
- HO2S: Heated Oxygen Sensor
- IAC: Idle Air Control actuator
- IAT: Intake Air Temperature sensor
- ICM: Ignition Control Module
- IMAP: MAP + IAT in one unit
- ISS: Ion Sensing System
- JSS: Jiffy Stand Sensor
- LHCM: Left Hand Control Module
- MAP: Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor
- MHR: Right Hand Control Module
- RCM: Reverse Control Module
- TCA: Throttle Control Actuator
- TGS: Twist Grip Sensor
- TMAP: Intake Air Temperature / Manifold Absolute Pressure equipment
- TPS: Throttle Position Sensor
- TSM / TSSM: (Turn Signal / Turn Signal Security Module)
- VE: Volume Efficiency
- VIN: Vehicle Identification Number
- VSS: Vehicle Speed Sensor
- WSS: Wheel Speed Sensor
Harley-Davidson® Trouble Codes And Solution
Harley Battery, Ignition, Lighting Codes
[table id=18 /]Harley Radio Diagnostic
| B2006 | Radio Switch Stuck or Open |
| B2007 | Handlebar Switch Shorted High |
| B2008 | Handlebar Switch Shorted Low |
| B2009 | Handlebar Switch Stuck or Open |
| B2010 | Passenger Switch Shorted High |
| B2011 | Passenger Switch Shorted Low |
| B2012 | Passenger Switch Stuck or Open |
| B2013 | Sidecar Switch Shorted High |
| B2014 | Sidecar Switch Shorted Low |
| B2015 | Sidecar Switch Stuck or Open |
| B2016 | Front Speaker Shortened R1.0 Ohm When Setup |
| B2017 | Front Speaker Opened R>100 Ohms Tested Once per Ignition Cycle Ignition ON after Ignition Off for 10 sec. |
| B2018 | Front Speaker Shortened to Ground Ignition ON After Ignition OFF for 10 sec. |
| B2019 | Front Speaker Shortened to Battery Ignition ON After Ignition OFF for 10 sec. |
| B2020 | Rear Speaker Shortened R1.0 Ohm When Setup |
| B2021 | Rear Speaker Opened R>100 Ohms Tested Once Per Ignition Cycle Ignition ON After Ignition |
| B2022 | Rear Speaker Shortened to Ground Ignition ON After Ignition OFF for 10 sec. |
| B2023 | Rear Speaker Shortened to Battery Ignition ON After Ignition OFF for 10 sec. |
| B2024 | Sidecar Speaker Shortened R1.0 Ohm |
| B2025 | Sidecar Speaker Opened R>100 Ohms Tested Once Per Ignition Cycle Ignition ON After Ignition OFF for 10 sec. |
| B2026 | Sidecar Speaker Shortened to Ground Ignition ON After Ignition OFF for 10 sec. |
| B2027 | Sidecar Speaker Shortened to Battery Ignition ON After Ignition OFF for 10 sec. |
Harley ABS and Power Circuit Codes
[table id=14 /]Harley Sensor and Motor Codes
[table id=17 /]Harley CAN Bus Codes
[table id=16 /]Source:
1. https://www.wilkinsharley.com/–Checking-Trouble-Codes-2019-Harley-Davidsons
2. https://www.motorcycletireco.com/motorcycle-service/harley-fault-codes/